Cobra Kai has taken viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of its characters, but one essential aspect of Johnny Lawrence’s journey was often overlooked until the finale tied everything back to its core themes. In contrast to the distinct good versus evil dichotomy presented in the original Karate Kid films, Cobra Kai has largely focused on the multitudes of its characters, each shaped by the influence of flawed mentors and personal experiences. This complexity has elevated the series beyond a simple rivalry, despite the presence of antagonistic figures such as Terry Silver later in the storyline.
Although the title itself nods to the infamous dojo associated with the film’s villains, the series ultimately transcended beyond individual characters or schools. While early seasons emphasized Johnny’s redemptive arc—his efforts to uplift troubled youths through a reformed Cobra Kai—subsequent episodes began to shift attention back toward Daniel LaRusso. Fortunately, even amidst many narrative diversions, Cobra Kai successfully reclaimed its thematic essence in the concluding moments, reinforcing the emphasis on Johnny’s character.
Cobra Kai’s Final “No Mercy”: A Reminder of Johnny as the Central Figure
Acknowledging Johnny’s Role as the Protagonist
In the early narratives of Cobra Kai, Daniel LaRusso occasionally appeared as the antagonist, primarily as the series spotlighted Johnny’s path toward redemption. As Johnny established his dojo and mentored students like Miguel, Hawk, and Alisha, Daniel began to seem like a jealous adversary unable to accept Johnny’s resurgence. However, as the story evolved, Johnny’s development seemed to plateau, preventing him from fully embracing his new responsibilities or reverting to his former reckless behavior.
For an extended period, Johnny found himself trapped between his tumultuous past and the potential future he could create with Carmen. Meanwhile, Daniel’s character evolved significantly, demonstrating a deep understanding of Mr. Miyagi’s teachings about balance. Eventually, he triumphed over Terry Silver in a climactic showdown, employing the iconic Crane kick that fans love. It was in the final season, however, that Cobra Kai finally allowed Johnny to reclaim his stature, culminating in a powerful moment.
In a noteworthy progression, Johnny reconciles with Kreese and achieves significant milestones, including a victory over Sensei Kim and a hard-fought Sekai Taikai championship. The series beautifully reminds viewers that its heart has always been Johnny, especially when Daniel reflects on a lesson from Mr. Miyagi, only to be interrupted by Johnny’s decisive action: he swats a fly, boldly declaring, “No mercy.”This moment encapsulates Johnny’s core essence, affirming the narrative’s return to its original focus.
Valuing Daniel LaRusso’s Journey, but Recognizing Johnny Lawrence as the Heart
Daniel’s Previous Closure vs. Johnny’s Incomplete Journey
While Daniel’s narrative reached a satisfying conclusion within the original Karate Kid films, Johnny’s saga maintained an air of incompleteness. Early films hinted at his character’s potential for redemption, revealing that he was more a victim of circumstance than a true villain. Even in the original film’s climax, when Johnny concedes the All Valley title to Daniel and compliments him, it affirms Johnny’s inherent grace despite his defeat.
However, the aftermath of that significant loss brought Johnny pain and humiliation, especially when John Kreese—a mentor turned malevolent figure—betrayed him. As Daniel celebrated his hard-earned victory, Johnny faced the harsh reality of abandonment. This narrative gap fostered compelling storytelling in Cobra Kai, as it centered on Johnny’s quest for redemption, which resonated more than Daniel’s well-established storyline. Thus, it stands that the series honorably returned to its protagonist’s journey as it reached its conclusion, fulfilling what fans had long anticipated.